England forward
James Graham could face a two-month ban over allegations he bit the ear of Melbourne Storm fullback Billy Slater in the NRL Grand Final.

James Graham (centre) could be banned for two-months for biting Billy Slater’s ear (Picture: Getty Images)

The former St Helens captain was playing for Canterbury Bulldogs, who went down 14-4 in the big end-of-season match, which will have been all the more disappointing for Graham after he finished a runner-up in five consecutive Super League Grand Finals playing for Saints.

But the disappointment of losing could be nothing compared to what might happen to him when the judgements of the match review committee are made public.

The incident came out of nothing, after a scuffle erupted when Canterbury players reacted angrily to an attempted tackle by Slater on Sam Perret, as he went over for the Bulldogs’ only score.

Some punches were thrown but it was mainly just pushing, until Slater complained to the referee that his ear had been bitten – and a video replay seemed to implicate Graham.

Billy Slater and Josh Reynolds wrestle each other during the brawl (Picture: Getty Images)

Graham was put on report, and could learn his fate on Monday.

If he is hit with a lengthy suspension, it would rule the 27-year-old out of England’s upcoming matches against France and Wales – he was due to team up with the rest of the squad for a training camp in South Africa next week.